Sickle Cell Warrior #13

10003 Sickle Cell Warrior #13

Lea
26 Warrior Years

"Sickle Cell is the best thing that ever happened to me.
It is not about the pain, the stigma and the depression. Its about what I have gained experiencing all of it. My ability to experience pain has increased my capacity to feel beyond that which many people can. And for me, stigma and depression are a constant test in my personal journey of self acceptance and self love. The daily physical , emotional and mental battles have made me the person I AM today, they prepare me to win this war I was born into. Everyday is an opportunity to live, love and learn. To those Sickle Cell Warriors who have yet to see their beauty, I urge you to trust the process, as messy as it is., and know that nothing happens by chance.

This title Sickle Cell Warrior, is a true priviledge."


Love Life!
Lea

Sickle Cell Warrior #12

10003 Sickle Cell Warrior #12

Caroline
23 Warrior Years

I'm a lover of all things life who likes to make friends and make merry.
Aside from that, i'm a Sickle Cell Warrior. Being a warrior and achieving a lot in life is somewhat an impossible venture but the far I have come shows it is possible. One can be whatever he/she wishes to.



Love Life!

Caroline

Sickle Cell Warrior #11

10003 Sickle Cell Warrior #11

Etemesi
29 Warrior Years

I am a warrior born 29 years ago, and the journey has been full of pain and joy  at the same time. Like other warriors I have been in and out of hospital, and also like other warriors I have found unique gift that makes me special and significant.

Painful episodes and less frequent depression made me look at life as big mountain that I cannot climb. True, life is a  mountain I cant climb; especially if, my family and friends constantly look for hope in my situation. However, I can climb this mountain and bring hope; especially  when I look beyond the sickle cell  wound to the power of Christ that is in me. Power that works within me; that will enable the warrior in me, to reach the mountain of hope. 

I can now proudly say that I enjoy life as a warrior especially when I know that my significant role is to be a product of hope to my generation. As Paul puts it, that I can boast all the gladly about my weakness, so that Christ power may rest on me.. And in turn as a warrior, I will not only be a messenger of hope But a product of hope.

Catch up with me HERE as i continue through the journey that is life.

Love LIFE

Etemesi 

Sickle Cell Warrior #10

10003 SICKLE CELL WARRIOR #10

Donna. A
27 Warrior Years

I am a lady, 27 years of age. My parents died in 2002 and before that we were all unaware I had Sickle Cell. I later discovered it when I collapsed in school and was taken for a checkup. From then on that’s when I started with my medication and checkups. I was 14years old when it was discovered.  I faced negative perceptions from people around me. Never believed I would reach 18. I also stopped going for checkups due to financial problems. I only go to the hospital when in crisis. After 20 years people started seeing my determination and always want to hear my story. So far God has brought me and further will he take me.

Catch up with me on my facebook HERE to find oud more about how i conquer Sickle Cell everyday.

Love Life

Donna

Sickle Cell Warrior #9

10003 Sickle Cell Warrior #9

Mercy A

19 Warrior Years

I don't know what it is with girls and their fathers', perhaps a father can give us a bit of introspect into this subject.

When i first met Mercy, she like many other younger warriors were very keen to participate in the project. To speak out about a very sensitive issue that affects numerous young girls in Kenya takes a great deal of courage.

Courage is the one thing that i was reminded of when i talked to Mercy. She has faced great hardship in her daily battle with Sickle Cell disease. Many times she has had to stay in one class as her classmates advanced to the next level, as she tries to catch up on the missed lessons. In a system that doesn't quite cater for special needs students with SCD, many of them are shunned by teachers and deemed not good enough or just another non-performing cliche. 

Mercy however rose above those mental models society knowingly or unknowingly bestows on us. The biggest one being, Sickle Cell Warriors are lazy, dumb and sickly. 

 Here's how Mercy sees things

“Being a warrior does not make you different from others. Most of us have been told a lot about our lives but in all I have built my faith on hope and faith. I have ignored the voices of doctors and anyone who pulls my hope down, that’s why I’m still moving on. In all I've trusted in God.”

Love Life!

Lea

Sickle Cell Warrior #8

10003 Sickle Cell Warrior #8

Stephen. B

36 Warrior Years

Whoever said "Age is nothing but a number" has never lived a day in their lives.

A husband, a father,a businessman and a warrior. Steve is the oldest warrior featured so far. Wisdom is gained through experiences lived and challenges conquered. Our bodies may fail us everyday but our minds and hearts should never cease to find hope in each day. Our lives expand and unfold in the direction of our minds. Dis-ease should not limit you in anyway, but inspire and drive you to overstand your body, do better and live healthy fulfilled lives.

Steve's words of wisdom to other warriors,

“I am 36 years old and I was born with Sickle Cell and I’m proud to be a warrior. I would like to tell people out there that Sickle Cell can live up to even 80 years or above. I would like to tell other warriors to avoid stress, eat well, keep warm, drink lots of fluids and life continues.”

Love Life!

Lea

Sickle Cell Warrior #7

10003 Sickle Cell Warrior #7

Kathleen N.
26 Warrior Years

A recently graduated warrior who has surparssed many obstacles and an absolute inspiration to many. Kathleen is an older sister to two younger siblings who she always carries along to any exciting activities she thinks they might benefit. Her bond with them and vice versa is nothing new especially in families where warriors are supported. Kathleen, is unique in her role as an older sister. As a warrior she directly influences her sisters through the life she lives. Her deliberate efforts to guide and instruct in the ways of a Sickle Cell warrior strategically positions her as a great role model. Many may choose to shy away from speaking about their lives with younger siblings for fear of looking weak, Kathleen shines with confidence.

Words of Kathleen

“Being a warrior is not a life sentence, it’s a chance to appreciate life in every aspect big or small. I am more aware of the phrase ‘life is too short’ so I live mine to the fullest. Being a warrior makes me stronger than I give myself credit. I am strong, I am a warrior. I am 26 years and stronger than ever. I am moving on and I love every step I make.”

Catch up with Kathleen on her Facebook page HERE



Love Life!
Lea

Sickle Cell Warrior #6

10003 Sickle Cell Warrior #6

Donald O..24 Warrior years

It is difficult to put in words that which deserves more than words.
In such a situation when one is rendered speechless, silence is best observed.

Well., most of you who have the pleasure to know Donald may be familiar with his "larger than life" persona and his very eccentric ways of doing things.

I had the pleasure to interact with Donald a couple of years back at a Sickle Cell community meeting in Agakhan. Back then (2012) my Sickle Cell circle of friends wasn't as diverse as it is now and the few people who spoke out about Sickle Cell disease were considered to be brave and mighty titans. Donald was one of these titans.

True to the title, Donald has surpassed various perceived "limitations",mind and body. As sickle cell warriors, we are conditioned to restrict ourselves within the lines of the coloring box. We take what we are told we cant do as gospel truth and many of us live miserable unfulfilled lives. Donald seeks to break those barriers and create new ones, on his own terms. He has been working out and building body mass for almost 2 years now and still going strong. He started slow and grew and he continued to learn and understand his body. He takes care not to over exert himself and stress his body. Aside from his physical body; i believe that in order to see change in the physical, one has to first shift his mindset from the old conditioning of the mind to a mindset that makes everything possible. A warrior needs to have the knowledge on what works for him/her  and the wisdom to apply that knowledge in their daily lives.

Donalds words
"Inability and Disability is all in the mind. What you conceive in your mind comes to be. Pray daily because its the source of power and have faith because everything happens for a reason."

On a lighter note, Donald is a hit with the ladies though fortunately or unfortunately he only holds dear one lucky lady in his heart. Catch up with Donald on his Facebook and continue the conversation on Sickle Cell.

Love Life!
Lea

Sickle Cell Warrior #5

10003 Sickle Cell Warrior #5

Hi

My name is Caroline Omino. I'm a 28yr old Facilitator/Rapporteur at KEWOPA 

“I am the only warrior in a family of five. My siblings and my parents have always been supportive and understanding. It is very important to have a support system that understands what Sickle Cell is all about.  That way in a crisis and any other time they can help you. As a warrior it is important to understand your own body and type of strain you have. Management is key to being healthy. I eat healthy, exercise and drink lots of fluids but most importantly, I carry on and live like a normal person.” Through my passion in community service, I hope to continue creating awareness around Sickle Cell Disease by encouraging others to speak out and share their experiences and lessons with regards to living with the disease.

Join me on FACEBOOK as we continue the conversation around Sickle Cell Disease, and share stories that will initiate change for those who come after us.

Love Life!

Caro 

Sickle Cell Warrior #4

10003 Sickle Cell Warrior #4

Hi

My name is Frida Odee and i'm 25 years old. I am an independent social researcher also studying media, culture and society. Most importantly, I am a Sickle Cell Warrior and I hope to eventually become an accomplished social scientist. I did not know that I had a form of Sickle Cell until four years ago. I was relieved to find out what had been bothering me after years of being sickly. I am a warrior because I hope to inspire and spread awareness on Sickle Cell Disease and let other people know they are not alone.”

Talk to me on  TWITTER and lets continue the conversation as we create awareness of Sickle Cell Disease on 10003 Warrior Project .

Love Life!
Freda

Sickle Cell Warrior #3

10003 Sickle Cell Warrior #3

Hey there, my name is Catherine Odenyo and I am 29 years old. For all those years, I have lived with pain that can’t be explained in words, but each and every moment I have gotten to learn my body more. I didn't know I was a Warrior until I was 18, it was a difficult moment. Now that I know, I have to keep moving forward with hope and joy. And YES! I am a Warrior because I’m still here fighting and haven’t given up.

Love Life!

Catherine

Sickle Cell Warrior #2

10003 Sickle Cell Warrior #2

Hey there, my name is Fredrick Oywer and I am a 22 year old business Information Technology student. I have lived with the disease my whole life and despite the challenges it comes with, I have not let it be a hindrance to my life or even the way I live it. Growing up, I always participated in the same activities that my school mates engaged in and I truly enjoyed my childhood. Now, as a young adult, I still live my life to the fullest and certainly am thankful to God for all my friends and family who have been with me throughout.

Catch up with me on Facebook and let's keep the sickle cell awareness conversation going.

Love Life!
Freddy.

Sickle Cell Warrior #1

10003 Sickle Cell Warrior #1

Hey there? My name is Cecilia June. I am 18 years old and my ethnic background is Dholuo. Why I mention where I am from is because as other Warriors continue to share their stories, you will find a similarity of ethic backgrounds. Sickle cell does not have any tribal link but instead, it affects people mainly from malaria endemic regions. I love to sing and it brings me a lot of joy and peace. 

Sickle cell is real, yes, and I found myself in that situation. I figured it is God's plan, you never know with some things *laughs*. I have accepted myself the way I am because no matter what, I am beautifully and wonderfully made by the Creator. I am not complaining though, and what keeps me going is God and the support of my family.

If you know you have sickle cell, do not think that that is the end of you! Not at all. Instead, be yourself, speak what you think is right, have fun and enjoy life because you are a Warrior. Some situations in life happen so as to give us a different view point of the world. Without our differences, we would all be the same. I figure that is boring. Though sometimes life may seem hard, just keep going and trust in God and thank Him because He is the life giver.

Despite my challenges of medical care, school and health insurance,I am currently studying and fully intend on sitting for my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) at Korogocho Glory Secondary School. My dream is to become a doctor in order to help in championing the cause of Sickle Cell Disease. 

No matter where you are, whether 'rich' or 'poor' your dreams are valued and valid: go out and reach for them. I know mine are and as such, I am reaching out for them. 

My school address is Korogocho Glory Secondary School, P.O. B ox 4243-00200 Nairobi. A success card would be cool :)

Love Life!

Cecilia